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Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Pensacola, Florida

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Were you injured in a Pensacola motorcycle accident caused by another driver? If so, you deserve compensation for your medical bills and rehabilitation process, lost income, physical pain, and emotional suffering. But if insurance companies refuse to pay you full compensation, turn to a Pensacola motorcycle accident lawyer from Cardoso Law, PLLC.

Our motorcycle accident lawyer knows that recovering from a Pensacola motorcycle accident can cause you to feel stress and anxiety. Let us give you peace of mind by handling the details of your motorcycle accident case and pursuing every penny you deserve. With our comprehensive and personal approach, you can contact us whenever you have questions about your Florida motorcycle accident and expect a prompt response

Reach out to Cardoso Law, PLLC, for a free initial claim evaluation after being injured in a Pensacola motorcycle accident. Our personal injury law firm can help you learn more about your legal options for pursuing compensation from the driver or other parties who caused your injuries and losses.

What Are the Florida Motorcycle Laws?

Chapter 316 of the Florida Statutes contains the state’s motorcycle laws. Under Section 316.208, a motorcycle operator has the same rights and duties as drivers of other motor vehicles. Other important Florida motorcycle laws include:

  • Motorcycle riders under the age of 21 must wear a motorcycle helmet that meets the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Riders 21 and older may forego a helmet if they have an insurance policy providing at least $10,000 in medical benefits coverage for injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident.
  • Motorcycle operators must wear eye protection regardless of whether they wear a helmet.
  • Motorcycles must have brakes on the front and back wheels, a horn, and mirrors; may not have an exhaust system modified from factory stock; and may not have handlebars higher than the operator’s shoulders.
  • Motorcycles must have one or two headlights that must always remain active, in addition to a red rear reflector, a stop lamp, turn signals, and a taillight.
  • Motorcycle operators may not lane split. Drivers also may not overtake a motorcycle in the same traffic lane. However, two motorcycles may ride side-by-side in the same traffic lane.
  • Motorcycles may not drive out of a traffic lane or off the paved roadway to pass another vehicle.
  • Operators may not carry any objects that prevent the operator from keeping both hands on the handlebars.
  • A motorcycle carrying a passenger must have a factory-equipped seat and footrests designed for the passenger.
  • Motorcycle operators must have a motorcycle license or endorsement.

How Much Is My Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?

No Pensacola motorcycle accident attorney can accurately predict how much money your motorcycle accident victims will recover. Multiple factors will affect the value of your motorcycle accident claim, including:

  • The severity of your motorcycle accident injuries
  • The financial expenses and losses that you have incurred
  • The insurance coverage and financial resources of liable parties
  • Whether you have insurance coverage that can compensate you for losses
  • The strength of your evidence proving the other driver’s or party’s fault
  • Whether you bear any responsibility for the crash

A motorcycle accident claim involving minor injuries can recover thousands of dollars, while claims involving permanent disability and disfigurement may recover six- or seven-figure settlements for compensation.

How a Motorcycle Accident Differs from a Car Accident

Pursuing compensation after a motorcycle accident in Pensacola is often more complicated than making a car accident claim. Differences between a motorcycle crash and a car accident that make motorcycle accident claims difficult include the following:

  • Motorcycle Riders Suffer More Serious Injuries – Because riders lack protection from crashes, motorcycle accidents tend to cause serious injuries. These injuries lead to significant financial losses for riders, complicating the settlement process. If riders are still treating their injuries when negotiating a settlement or going to trial in a lawsuit, their compensation will need to include estimated future expenses and losses.
  • At-Fault Drivers May Not Have Sufficient Insurance Coverage to Fully Compensate Injured Motorcycle Riders – Florida does not require drivers to have bodily injury liability insurance coverage, so not all drivers carry the insurance coverage necessary to fully compensate an injured rider. Under those circumstances, the rider must pursue compensation directly from the at-fault driver or find another option for compensation, such as filing PIP claims.
  • At-Fault Drivers and Insurance Companies Rely on Stereotypes to Shift Blame for Accidents onto Motorcycle Operators – At-fault drivers and insurers sometimes try to avoid liability by claiming that a motorcycle operator was speeding or riding recklessly, therefore bearing some of or all the fault for the crash. When this occurs, a motorcycle rider will need to secure additional evidence to show that they do not assume responsibility for the motorcycle accident.

What to Do If You’re Involved in a Motorcycle Accident in Pensacola, Florida

Actions you should take after being involved in a wreck on your motorcycle in Pensacola include:

  • Taking photos of the accident scene if you can.
  • Seeking prompt medical attention to document your injuries and begin treatment.
  • Keeping copies of bills, invoices, receipts of expenses, and pay stubs or income statements if you take time off work while recovering from injuries.
  • Requesting copies of your medical records and the police accident report.
  • Contact a motorcycle accident attorney from Cardoso Law, PLLC, so we may start investigating the accident and preparing your compensation claim.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Many motorcycle accidents happen because drivers of cars, trucks and other vehicles fail to properly share the road with motorcycle riders. Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

  • Speeding drivers
  • Tailgating
  • Reckless driving
  • Aggressive driving/road rage
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Drowsy/fatigued driving
  • Distracted driving, including texting while driving
  • Running red lights/stop signs
  • Unsafe lane changes, including failing to check mirrors or use signals
  • Passing a motorcycle without moving to the adjacent lane
  • Failing to yield the right of way
  • Vehicle defects
  • Inadequate vehicle maintenance
  • Poor road conditions like potholes, debris, or black ice

Common Injuries Suffered in Motorcycle Accidents

A motorcycle rider has no protection from injury in a Pensacola motorcycle accident unless they are wearing a motorcycle helmet and riding leather. Motorcycle accidents tend to cause serious physical injuries such as:

  • Road rash or other laceration/abrasion injuries
  • Burns
  • Broken bones
  • Dislocated joints
  • Ligament, tendon, or muscle injuries
  • Whiplash
  • Herniated disc injuries

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Florida?

Florida’s statute of limitations on motorcycle accident lawsuits provides a specific period to file a lawsuit. You have only two years from the date of a motorcycle wreck to file suit against the driver or other parties at fault for the accident or liable for your losses.

If you file a lawsuit after the limitations period runs out and the court dismisses your case, you can lose the right to pursue financial recovery. For this reason, do not wait to talk to a Pensacola motorcycle accident attorney from Cardoso Law, PLLC. Let us help you ensure that you file your lawsuit on time.

What Damages Can I Expect to Recover from a Florida Motorcycle Collision Claim?

A motorcycle collision claim can provide you with money for losses and expenses you incur due to an accident caused by another party’s negligence. The compensation you may receive from your claim includes:

  • Medical and rehabilitation expenses to treat your injuries
  • Costs of future long-term care if you suffer permanent disabilities from the accident
  • Lost wages/income if you miss time from work after the accident or loss of future earnings and employment benefits if you cannot return to work
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost quality of life from disabilities/impairment or visible, permanent scarring or disfigurement
  • Repair costs to fix your motorcycle or reimbursement of your motorcycle’s value if it was totaled

Why You Need a Pensacola Motorcycle Accident Lawyer to Handle Your Case

Insurance companies often make it difficult to recover full compensation for the motorcycle accident injuries and loss you sustained. You need a Pensacola motorcycle accident lawyer from Cardoso Law, PLLC, who will diligently pursue the financial recovery you need by:

  • Investigating the crash and recovering evidence needed to prove the other party’s fault for the accident.
  • Calculating your expenses and losses, including estimating future medical care and needs, to determine how much compensation you may be owed.
  • Identifying liable parties and applicable insurance coverages.
  • Filing claims on your behalf to begin pursuing financial recovery for you.
  • Relentlessly negotiating for a full and fair settlement of your claims, or taking your case to trial if litigation becomes necessary to obtain maximum compensation and justice.

Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Pensacola, FL Today

Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Pensacola, FL Today

Do not wait to talk to a Pensacola motorcycle accident lawyer about starting a compensation claim. We at Contact Cardoso Law, PLLC, are here to provide the vigorous legal advocacy you need.

With a free, no-obligation consultation, we will discuss how our motorcycle accident law firm can help you get money for your injuries in a motorcycle crash. Plus, you owe us no fee unless we win compensation for you.

Cardoso Law, PLLC, serves motorcycle accident injury victims in the Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent Metro Area, along the Emerald Coast, and throughout the Florida Panhandle. Contact us today.